Device for managing solar modules

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an apparatus for managing solar modules includes a communication unit that receives a power line communication signal from at least one solar module array or transmits a power line communication signal to the at least one solar module array, and a bypass unit that forms a first communication path connecting the communication unit and the at least one solar module array, the first communication path operating as an alternative path to a second communication path connecting the communication unit and an inverter.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for managing solar modules, and more particularly to a device for managing a plurality of solar module control devices included in a solar module array using power line communication. [Background technology]

[0002] A solar power generation system can periodically detect the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of the solar modules using a solar module control device connected to each solar module, and provide the detected information to the outside via power line communication.

[0003] However, since the solar power generation system is configured such that the inverter and the solar module control device are connected in series, when the inverter is disconnected from the solar power generation system, the path for power line communication is cut off, and in this case, information about the solar module detected by the solar module control device cannot be confirmed from outside the solar power generation system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a device for managing a solar module. The technical problem to be solved is not limited to the above-mentioned technical problem, and other technical problems may exist. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment, an apparatus for managing solar modules includes a communication unit that receives a power line communication signal from at least one solar module array or transmits a power line communication signal to the at least one solar module array, and a bypass unit that forms a first communication path connecting the communication unit and the at least one solar module array, the first communication path operating as an alternative path to a second communication path connecting the communication unit and an inverter.

[0006] According to another aspect, a device for managing solar modules includes: a communication unit that receives a power line communication signal from at least one solar module array or transmits a power line communication signal to the at least one solar module array; at least one first input / output port including a first positive port connected to the at least one solar module array and the communication unit, and a first negative port connected to the at least one solar module array and an inverter; at least one second input / output port including a second positive port connected to the communication unit and the inverter, and a second negative port connected to the inverter and the first negative port; and at least one bypass unit that forms a first communication path connecting the communication unit and the first negative port, wherein the first communication path operates as an alternative path for a second communication path connecting the communication unit and the second positive port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Even if the inverter is separated from the solar power generation system, a path for power line communication between the solar module array and the communication unit can be maintained, thereby enabling management of multiple solar module control devices included in the solar module array regardless of whether the inverter is separated or not.

[0008] Furthermore, even when the inverter is separated from the photovoltaic power generation system, it is possible to monitor the plurality of photovoltaic module control devices, thereby enabling safe installation or maintenance of the photovoltaic power generation system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a solar module management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a solar module management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a power line communication signal when an inverter according to an embodiment is connected to a photovoltaic power generation system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a power line communication signal when an inverter is separated from a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power line communication process in a solar power generation system to which a solar module management device according to an embodiment is applied; [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power line communication process in a solar power generation system to which a solar module management device according to an embodiment is applied; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating another example of a solar module management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the flow of a power line communication signal when the inverter according to the embodiment is connected to a photovoltaic power generation system. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the flow of a power line communication signal when the inverter is separated from the photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which power is supplied to a building in which a solar module is installed according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to one embodiment, an apparatus for managing solar modules includes a communication unit that receives a power line communication signal from at least one solar module array or transmits a power line communication signal to the at least one solar module array, and a bypass unit that forms a first communication path connecting the communication unit and the at least one solar module array, the first communication path operating as an alternative path to a second communication path connecting the communication unit and an inverter.

[0011] The terms used in the embodiments have been selected to the extent possible as commonly used terms, but these may change depending on the intentions of engineers in the relevant technical field, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant explanation section. Therefore, the terms used in the specification should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the specification, rather than simply by their names.

[0012] Throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain component, it means that it can further include other components, not excluding other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "unit" and "module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0013] Furthermore, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" used in the specification may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one component from another.

[0014] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description disclosed below together with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to show the only embodiments in which the present invention can be implemented. In the drawings, parts that are not relevant to the description may be omitted in order to clearly explain the present invention, and the same reference numerals may be used throughout the specification for the same or similar components.

[0015] 1 and 2 are circuit diagrams showing an example of a solar module management device according to an embodiment.

[0016] 1 and 2, a solar module management device (hereinafter referred to as a module management device) 100 may include a communication unit 110, a connection unit 120, and a bypass unit 130. However, the module management device 100 may further include other components in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 and 2. Alternatively, the module management device 100 may omit some of the components shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0017] The module management device 100 may be a device for managing a plurality of solar module control devices (hereinafter referred to as module control devices) 220 included in a plurality of solar modules 210 included in the solar module array 200. For example, the module management device 100 may be a kind of master unit for managing the plurality of module control devices 220.

[0018] The solar module array 200 may include a plurality of solar modules 210. The plurality of solar modules 210 included in the solar module array 200 may be connected to each other in series or in parallel. A module control device 220 may be connected to each of the plurality of solar modules 210 included in the solar module array 200. Although FIG. 1 shows one solar module array 200, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, two or more solar module arrays 200 may be included in the solar power generation system depending on the design of the solar power generation system.

[0019] The module control device 220 can detect information related to the solar module 210 (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) and transmit the detected information to an external device (e.g., the module management device 100) via power line communication. The module control device 220 can also receive a rapid shutdown (RSD) signal transmitted from an external device (e.g., the module management device 100) via power line communication, and can suspend operation of the solar module 210 upon receiving the rapid shutdown signal.

[0020] For example, the module controller 220 may be realized by a module level power electronics (MLPE). The module controller 220 can perform various functions such as a voltage monitor function, a current monitor function, a power monitor function, a temperature monitor function, and an emergency shutdown function in order to optimize the power generation performance of the solar module 210. For example, the module controller 220 can also be called an MLPE or an RSD (Rapid ShutDown) device.

[0021] For example, the MLPE may be an optimizer or a micro inverter.

[0022] As an example, when the MLPE is an optimizer, the solar power generation system may include a single inverter. In this case, the single MLPE may be connected to a single solar module, and the MLPE may optimize the power output from the single solar module and output it to a single inverter (e.g., a string inverter). The power converted by the inverter (e.g., converting DC power to AC power) may be output to a load or the grid.

[0023] As another example, if the MLPE is a microinverter, a single MLPE may be connected to a single solar module, in which case the MLPE can convert power generated by the single solar module, and the converted power may be output to a load or the grid.

[0024] The module controller 220 may be included in the solar module 210. For example, the module controller 220 may be provided on the back surface of the solar panel of the solar module 210. The module controller 220 is electrically connected to the solar panel of the solar module 210 and can adjust the magnitude of the current or voltage generated by the solar panel. The solar panel may include a plurality of solar cells. For example, the solar panel may also be referred to as a solar panel or solar cell.

[0025] The communication unit 110 may be a device for performing communication between the module control device 220 and the inverter 300 and the module management device 100. The communication unit 110 is connected to the solar module array 200 and the inverter 300 to perform power line communication. The communication unit 110 can transmit a power line communication signal (e.g., an emergency shutdown signal) to the module control device 220 included in the solar module array 200. The communication unit 110 can also receive a power line communication signal (e.g., a signal related to information related to the solar module 210) transmitted from the module control device 220 included in the solar module array 200.

[0026] 2, the communication unit 110 may include a transceiver module 111 and a coupling module 112. However, the components of the communication unit 110 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2, and other components may also be included.

[0027] The transceiver module 111 may include a transceiver and a control device that controls the transceiver. For example, the transceiver module 111 may be a power line communication modem that can perform modulation / demodulation and transmission / reception of a power line communication signal. The coupling module 112 may include a coupling transformer that couples and separates a power signal and a power line communication signal, and a coupling capacitor that is directly connected to the coupling transformer and forms an LC filter.

[0028] The communication unit 110 may be connected to a processor configured to control the communication unit 110. The processor may receive a power line communication signal (e.g., a signal related to information related to the solar module 210) via the communication unit 110 and process (store and manage) the received power line communication signal. The processor may generate a power line communication signal (e.g., an emergency shutdown signal) when a preset condition is met or when a user input is received, and transmit the generated power line communication signal to an external device (e.g., the solar module array 200).

[0029] For example, the processor may process computer program instructions, which may be provided from memory or an external device, by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations, and may generally control the operation of other components included in the communication unit 110.

[0030] Meanwhile, the processor may perform at least a part of the data analysis, processing, and result information generation for performing the above-described operations using at least one of machine learning, neural network, and deep learning algorithms as rule-based or artificial intelligence algorithms. Examples of neural networks include models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), deep neural networks (DNNs), and recurrent neural networks (RNNs).

[0031] For example, a processor may be implemented as an array of logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. For example, a processor may include a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. In some environments, processor 110 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. For example, processor 110 may refer to a combination of processing devices, such as a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors coupled with a digital signal processor (DSP) core, or any other such configuration.

[0032] 1 again, the connection unit 120 may connect the communication unit 110 and the inverter 300. The connection unit 120 may electrically connect one end of the communication unit 110 to the positive electrode of the inverter 300 via a power line. Specifically, a switch 400 that connects and disconnects the inverter 300 may be connected to the positive electrode of the inverter 300, and the connection unit 120 may be configured to connect the communication unit 110 and the switch 400.

[0033] Meanwhile, in the above embodiment, it is described that the switch 400 is provided outside the inverter 300, but the switch 400 may be provided inside the inverter 300. For example, the switch 400 may be provided on both the positive pole and the negative pole of the inverter 300, but this is not limitative. In other words, the switch 400 may be provided on only one of the positive pole and the negative pole of the inverter 300.

[0034] The bypass unit 130 can connect the communication unit 110 and the solar module array 200. The bypass unit 130 can electrically connect one end of the communication unit 110 and the negative electrode of the solar module array 200.

[0035] The communication path formed by the bypass unit 130 can be an alternative path to the communication path formed by the connection unit 120. In other words, the first communication path connecting the communication unit 110 and the solar module array 200 by the bypass unit 130 can operate as an alternative path to the second communication path connecting the communication unit 110 and the inverter 300 by the connection unit 120.

[0036] For example, when the inverter 300 is disconnected from the solar power generation system, the bypass unit 130 can connect the solar module array 200 and the communication unit 110 to form a closed circuit. When the inverter 300 is disconnected from the solar power generation system, the bypass unit 130 can connect the solar module array 200 and the communication unit 110 to each other, enabling power line communication between the solar module array 200 and the communication unit 110.

[0037] For example, the bypass unit 130 may include an AC coupling capacitor 131 that passes a power line communication signal. The AC coupling capacitor 131 can pass a power line communication signal transmitted over a power line and block a power signal transmitted over the power line. That is, the AC coupling capacitor 131 can pass an AC signal flowing over the power line and block a DC signal flowing over the power line.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a power line communication signal when the inverter according to one embodiment is connected to a photovoltaic power generation system.

[0039] 3, when the inverter 300 is normally connected to the solar power generation system, the power line communication signal flows as shown by the arrow. That is, when the inverter 300 is connected to the solar power generation system, the power line communication signal can be transmitted and received via the second communication path. For example, when the switch 400 connected to the inverter 300 is in an on state, the power line communication signal flows via a power line communication path (i.e., the second communication path) configured in the following order: one of the positive and negative electrodes (e.g., the positive electrode) of the solar module array 200--the communication unit 110--the inverter 300--the other of the positive and negative electrodes (e.g., the negative electrode) of the solar module array 200.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a power line communication signal when the inverter according to an embodiment is separated from the photovoltaic power generation system.

[0041] 4, when the inverter 300 is disconnected from the solar power generation system, the power line communication signal flows as shown by the arrow. That is, when the inverter 300 is disconnected from the solar power generation system, the power line communication signal can be transmitted and received via the first communication path. For example, when the switch 400 connected to the inverter 300 is in the OFF state, the power line communication signal flows via a power line communication path (i.e., the first communication path) configured in the following order: one of the positive and negative electrodes (e.g., the positive electrode) of the solar module array 200, the communication unit 110, and the other of the positive and negative electrodes (e.g., the negative electrode) of the solar module array 200.

[0042] As described above, the module management device 100 according to one embodiment can manage the multiple module control devices 220 included in the solar module array 200 regardless of whether the inverter 300 is separated or not by maintaining a power line communication path with the solar module array 200 even when the inverter 300 is separated from the solar power generation system.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when the inverter 300 is separated from the photovoltaic power generation system, the power line communication path with the photovoltaic module array 200 is maintained, so that the module control device 220 can be monitored even when the inverter 300 is separated from the photovoltaic power generation system. This allows the installation or maintenance work of the photovoltaic power generation system to be performed safely.

[0044] 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating an example of a power line communication process in a solar power generation system to which a solar module management device according to an embodiment is applied.

[0045] 5 and 6, the solar power generation system may include a module management device 100, a plurality of solar modules 210, a plurality of module control devices 220, an inverter 300, a server 500, and an energy management system (EMS) 600. However, the solar power generation system may further include other components in addition to the components shown in Figures 5 and 6. Alternatively, some of the components shown in Figures 5 and 6 may be omitted from the solar power generation system.

[0046] The server 500 can generate a control signal for controlling the solar module 210 according to a user input and transmit the generated signal to the energy management system 600. The server 500 can also receive a signal (e.g., a monitor signal) transmitted from the energy management system 600 and provide the received signal to the user.

[0047] The energy management system 600 can receive a control signal transmitted from the server 500 and transmit the received control signal to the module management device 100. The energy management system 600 can receive a signal (e.g., a monitor signal) transmitted from the module management device 100 and transmit the received signal to the server 500.

[0048] The module management device 100 can receive a control signal transmitted from the energy management system 600 and transmit the received control signal to the module control device 220. The module management device 100 can receive a signal (e.g., a monitor signal) transmitted from the module control device 220 and transmit the received signal to the energy management system 600.

[0049] When the inverter 300 is connected to the solar power generation system, a power line communication path is formed as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 5. When the inverter 300 is connected to the solar power generation system, the module management device 100 can transmit and receive signals via the power line communication path as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 5.

[0050] On the other hand, when the inverter 300 is separated from the solar power generation system, a power line communication path is formed as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 6. That is, when the inverter 300 is separated from the solar power generation system, a power line communication path is formed excluding the inverter 300. When the inverter 300 is separated from the solar power generation system, the module management device 100 can transmit and receive signals via the power line communication path as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 6.

[0051] In this way, this embodiment always enables communication between the server 500, the energy management system 600, the module management device 100, and the solar module array (i.e., the multiple solar modules 210 and the multiple module control devices 220) regardless of whether the inverter 300 is separated from the solar power generation system, thereby improving the safety of the solar power generation system.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing another example of a solar module management device according to an embodiment.

[0053] 7, the module management device 100 may include a communication unit 110, a connection unit 120, a bypass unit 130, a first input / output port 140, and a second input / output port 150. For example, the module management device 100 shown in FIG. 7 may further include the first input / output port 140 and the second input / output port 150 in addition to the module management device 100 shown in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, detailed descriptions of the components included in FIG. 7 that are the same as those in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0054] The first input / output port 140 may include a first positive electrode port 141 and a first negative electrode port 142. The first positive electrode port 141 may be configured to be connected to the positive electrode of the solar module array 200 and the communication unit 110.

[0055] For example, the first positive electrode port 141 and the positive electrode of the solar module array 200 may be connected via a power line. The first negative electrode port 142 may be configured to be connected to the negative electrode of the solar module array 200 and the inverter 300. The first negative electrode port 142 and the negative electrode of the solar module array 200 may be connected via a power line.

[0056] The second input / output port 150 may include a second positive port 151 and a second negative port 152. The second positive port 151 may be configured to be connected to the positive terminal of the inverter 300 and the communication unit 110.

[0057] For example, the second positive port 151 and the positive terminal of the inverter 300 may be connected via a power line. The second negative port 152 may be configured to be connected to the negative terminal of the inverter 300 and the first negative port 142. The second negative port 152 and the negative terminal of the inverter 300 may be connected via a power line.

[0058] For example, the first and second input / output ports 140, 150 may be realized by one connector, or may be realized by separate connectors.

[0059] The connection unit 120 may be configured to connect the communication unit 110 and the second positive port 151. The connection unit 120 may electrically connect one end of the communication unit 110 and the second positive port 151 via a power line. That is, the communication unit 110 and the second positive port 151 may be connected to each other via the connection unit 120.

[0060] The bypass unit 130 may be configured to connect the communication unit 110 and the first negative electrode port 142. The bypass unit 130 can electrically connect one end of the communication unit 110 and the first negative electrode port 142 via a power line. The bypass unit 130 can be an alternative path for the connection unit 120. In other words, the first communication path connecting the communication unit 110 and the first negative electrode port 142 via the bypass unit 130 can operate as an alternative path for the second communication path connecting the communication unit 110 and the second positive electrode port 151 via the connection unit 120.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the flow of a power line communication signal when the inverter according to an embodiment is connected to a photovoltaic power generation system.

[0062] 8, when the inverter 300 is normally connected to the solar power generation system, the power line communication signal flows as shown by the arrow. That is, when the inverter 300 is connected to the solar power generation system, the power line communication signal can be transmitted and received via the second communication path. For example, when the switch 400 connected to the inverter 300 is in an ON state, the power line communication signal flows via a power line communication path (i.e., the second communication path) configured in the following order: one of the positive and negative electrodes (e.g., the positive electrode) of the solar module array 200, the first positive port 141, the communication unit 110, the second positive port 151, the inverter 300, the second negative port 152, the first negative port 142, and the other of the positive and negative electrodes (e.g., the negative electrode) of the solar module array 200.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the flow of the power line communication signal when the inverter according to the embodiment is separated from the photovoltaic power generation system.

[0064] 9, when the inverter 300 is disconnected from the solar power generation system, the power line communication signal flows as shown by the arrow. That is, when the inverter 300 is disconnected from the solar power generation system, the power line communication signal can be transmitted and received via the first communication path. For example, when the switch 400 connected to the inverter 300 is in an off state, the power line communication signal flows via a power line communication path (i.e., the first communication path) configured in the following order: one of the positive and negative electrodes (e.g., the positive electrode) of the solar module array 200, the first positive electrode port 141, the communication unit 110, the first negative electrode port 142, and the other of the positive and negative electrodes (e.g., the negative electrode) of the solar module array 200.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of how power is supplied to a building in which a solar module according to an embodiment is installed.

[0066] 10, solar modules 2 can be installed on the roof of a building to generate electricity. The solar modules 2 can form at least one solar module array.

[0067] The inverter 6 can convert the power generated by the solar module 2 and supply it to the inside of the building 1.

[0068] On the other hand, commercial power transmitted via utility pole 3 may be supplied to the building via transformer 4 .

[0069] The plurality of home electric appliances 7 can be operated by selectively receiving at least one of commercial power and power generated by the solar module 2. The watt-hour meter 5 can measure the amount of power consumed in the building 1.

[0070] Furthermore, if the building 1 is equipped with a separate energy storage system (ESS), the power generated from the solar module 2 may be stored in the energy storage system.

[0071] The solar modules 2 can constitute at least one solar module array. For example, the solar module array may include one output terminal.

[0072] On the other hand, the solar module 2 may include an MLPE.

[0073] For example, the MLPE device can monitor the status or power generation amount of the solar module 2 and transmit the data to an external device. The MLPE can also perform an emergency shutdown and stop the operation of the solar module depending on the severity of the failure of the solar module.

[0074] Furthermore, at least one of the solar module 2 and the MLPE may include a communication module for power line communication.

[0075] As described above, the module management device 100 according to one embodiment maintains a power line communication path with the solar module array 200 even when the inverter 300 is separated from the solar power generation system, thereby enabling stable management of the multiple module control devices 220 included in the solar module array 200 regardless of whether the inverter 300 is separated or not.

[0076] Furthermore, the module management device 100 according to one embodiment maintains a power line communication path with the solar module array 200 even when the inverter 300 is separated from the solar power generation system, thereby enabling monitoring of the module control device 220 when the inverter 300 is separated from the solar power generation system. This allows installation or maintenance of the solar power generation system to be performed safely.

[0077] The implementations described herein may be implemented, for example, as a method or process, an apparatus, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the discussed features may also be implemented in other forms (e.g., an apparatus or program). An apparatus may be implemented in appropriate hardware, software, firmware, etc.

[0078] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but these are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. a communication unit configured to receive power line communication signals from or transmit power line communication signals to the at least one solar module array; a bypass unit that forms a first communication path that connects the communication unit and the at least one solar module array, The first communication path operates as an alternative path to a second communication path that connects the communication unit and an inverter.

2. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the power line communication signal is transmitted and received via the second communication path when the inverter is connected to a solar power generation system, and the power line communication signal is transmitted and received via the first communication path when the inverter is disconnected from the solar power generation system.

3. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the second communication path is formed by sequentially connecting one of the positive and negative terminals of the at least one solar module array, the communication unit, the inverter, and the other of the positive and negative terminals of the at least one solar module array.

4. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first communication path is formed by sequentially connecting one of the positive and negative electrodes of the at least one solar module array, the communication unit, the bypass unit, and the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the at least one solar module array.

5. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the bypass section includes an AC coupling capacitor that passes the power line communication signal.

6. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit includes: a power line communication modem; a coupling transformer connected to the power line communication modem and configured to couple or separate the power line communication signal and a power supply signal; and a coupling capacitor connected to the coupling transformer and configured as an LC filter.

7. The solar module array includes a solar module and a modular power electronics connected to the solar module; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the solar modules is connected to each of the modular power conversion devices.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the modular power converter comprises an optimizer or a micro inverter.

9. a communication unit configured to receive power line communication signals from or transmit power line communication signals to the at least one solar module array; At least one first input / output port including a first positive port connected to the at least one solar module array and the communication unit, and a first negative port connected to the at least one solar module array and an inverter; at least one second input / output port including a second positive port connected to the communication unit and the inverter, and a second negative port connected to the inverter and the first negative port; at least one bypass section forming a first communication path connecting the communication section and the first negative electrode port; A device for managing a solar module, wherein the first communication path operates as an alternative path to a second communication path connecting the communication unit and the second positive port.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the power line communication signal is transmitted and received via the second communication path when the inverter is connected to a solar power system, and the power line communication signal is transmitted and received via the first communication path when the inverter is disconnected from the solar power system.

11. 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the second communication path is formed by sequentially connecting one of the positive and negative poles of the at least one solar module array, the first positive port, the communication unit, the second positive port, the inverter, the second negative port, the first negative port, and the other of the positive and negative poles of the at least one solar module array.

12. 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the first communication path is formed by sequentially connecting one of the positive and negative electrodes of the at least one solar module array, the first positive port, the communication unit, the bypass unit, the first negative port, and the other one of the positive and negative electrodes of the at least one solar module array.

13. The device according to claim 9 , wherein the bypass section includes an AC coupling capacitor that passes the power line communication signal.

14. 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the communication unit includes: a power line communication modem; a coupling transformer connected to the power line communication modem and configured to couple or separate the power line communication signal and a power supply signal; and a coupling capacitor connected to the coupling transformer and configured as an LC filter.

15. The solar module array includes a solar module and a modular power electronics connected to the solar module; The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein each of the solar modules is connected to each of the modular power conversion devices.

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the modular power converter comprises an optimizer or a micro inverter.

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